Senator Mark Warner (D.)

Former Virginia Gov. Mark Warner beat his fellow former Republican Gov. Jim Gilmore for retiring Senator John Warner's (R.) seat, according to the Associated Press.

This was an expected win for Warner, who has high-name identification in the state and was a popular governor.

Warner entertained a 2008 bid for the presidency, but took his name out of contention early. His decision not to run was widely rumored to be made out of respect for Hillary Clinton. Warner announced his intent to run for Senate before he could be properly be considered as a vice presidential pick.

Virginia is now nearly blue. The state has elected two young Democratic senators, Jim Webb and Mark Warner, as well as a Democratic governor, Tim Kaine in the last two elections.